Recording and communication of handwritten information

Abstract

A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit.Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

Description

[0001]This application claims benefit of Ser. No. 60 / 257,835 filed Dec. 21, 2000, and claims benefit of Ser. No. 60 / 261,122 filed Jan. 12, 2001, and claims benefit of Ser. No. 60 / 316,025 filed Aug. 31, 2001.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to hand-held units for recording handwritten information.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0003]There are a number of ways to communicate handwritten information electronically. One alternative is to write the information on a sheet of paper and thereafter to send the information via a fax machine. An alternative way of sending handwritten information electronically is to scan it in and to send it electronically via, for example, electronic mail or using the mobile telephone network. A disadvantage of both methods is that two steps are required to enter the handwritten text electronically. In a first step the user writes the text on a base and in a second step the handwritten text is converted into electronic format via optical reading in the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables users to send recorded information at any time without changing their behavior or equipment, with automatic data transfer according to predetermined rules, optimizing cost and bandwidth usage, and providing a unified memory experience without the need for frequent data deletion.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of both methods is that two steps are required to enter the handwritten text electronically.

This means that the amount of information that can be stored in the user unit is relatively limited and that information that has been recorded by the user unit must be deleted after a while.

It is, however, difficult to know what information can be deleted and what should be saved.

If we choose to make the memory unit large in order to reduce the need to delete so often, there is the risk that the user unit will be undesirably expensive.

The storage capacity of the user unit can thereby be increased as required, however at the expense of a reduction in user-friendliness, increased cost to the user, a reduction in the freedom of design of the user unit, increased risk of operational disturbances caused by the ingress of dust, moisture, etc.

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